50 Pounds Lost: Nijah Ends the Diet Cycle With Satisfying Meals

I got tired of stopping and starting. The regret was overwhelming and I was unhealthy. In addition, during my yearly checkup, my doctor told me that I was a candidate for pre-diabetes if I did not lose weight. I refused to get a disease from eating like I’d never eat again. Food is good, but it isn’t worth dying over.

When did you start trying to lose weight?

I had been trying for a long time but I really got serious on December 31, 2011 with the decision to try and not give up, unlike other times in the past.

How did you get started?

I was determined to reach my goals without the help of a program – been there and done that. I lost a bunch of weight but after I reached my goal, I went back to those bad eating habits. Therefore, I did not learn how to eat. So, after researching healthier ways to eat, I started eating three meals a day with 2-3 snacks. My snacks are usually fruit and I reduced my dessert intake to once a week. I eat whatever I want, the difference is how much and how often. I also work out 5-6 days a week.

What was your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was staying focused even though I didn’t see immediate results.

Were there any times when you wanted to quit or give up? How did you stay motivated?

Yes, there were many times I wanted to quit but in my heart I knew that I wasn’t so I pressed through. Besides, the feeling of regret was too overwhelming and I knew that if I stopped this time, it would be even harder to recommit.

If you reached a weight loss plateau, how did you break out of the rut?

I have hit a plateau but I look to other ways to track my weight loss progress. I realized that scales are good but there are so many other ways to track your progress. For example, I gave away all of my bigger clothes to make room for new ones…which is a great excuse to shop! I am still on my weight loss journey and enjoying every minute of it!!!!!

What’s your current exercise routine?

I work out 6 days a week using a combination of The Biggest Loser DVDs, Hip Hop Abs, walking – and all with weights. My most recent purchase is Jeanette Jenkins- AB Blast. Sometimes I’ll also turn on Pandora and my Wii balance board as a stepper and get some cardio in. Basically, I have incorporated exercise into my life and I don’t anyone or anything to interfere with that time. I owe it to myself. Interestingly, it started out a hard task to get started, but now I look forward to it.

What’s your daily diet look like?

For the most part, I plan my meals ahead of time. Breakfast: Cereal with Skim Plus milk, 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. Half a glass of orange juice. Sometimes I’ll have a 100 calorie bagel with cream cheese for breakfast. It really depends on what I have a taste for that day. Snack: Half a banana. Lunch: Varies if I want hot or cold lunch. If hot, baked chicken with veggies. If cold, a rice cake with peanut butter and carrot sticks or cold cuts. I also drink water throughout the day.

What’s your favorite healthy snack/meal?

A raw veggie sandwich: peppers, onions, and mushrooms with my special seasoned mayonnaise on two slices of whole wheat bread.

Do you have specific suggestions for avoiding temptations?

You have to keep your goal in mind. It is okay to indulge every once in a while, but it’s important to stay on track. That is why I oppose programs that tell people to avoid starches and desserts. I have dessert once a week, so I don’t completely lose the taste of sweets but it is just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.

What’s your life like after weight loss?

Life has been sweet. I am still on my journey. I love sharing my story to encourage others who are on their weight loss journey! Also, I am currently a contestant for Ms. Full Figured USA 2014!!!!!!

If you have any suggestions to others what would they be?

The best advice I can give is to enjoy the journey, take a lot of pictures and commit to a lifestyle change. We have become a society who has mastered the ‘art of dieting.’ Let’s learn how to eat for a lifetime. Get rid of the word ‘diet’ and learn to live! Finally, when you have been strengthened yourself, now go and strengthen, encourage and inspire your sister or brother!

Get the latest health updates

Thanks for signing up!

Oops!

A system error was encountered. Please try again later.

Follow us on your favorite social network!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Personal Experience

It's such a great feeling to accomplish a health goal, so why not inspire others to do the same? Email Brianna Steinhilber at bsteinhilber@everydayhealthinc.com to share your weight loss success story!...read more